Without an elite defense, the Wisconsin Badgers would be in a completely different place. That being said, the Badgers are 5-2 and are nearing the Badgers’ second bowl game under head coach Luke Fickell.
While there have been several standouts on the defensive side of the ball, perhaps none have been more eye-catching to NFL scouts then linebacker Sebastian Cheeks.
So far this season, Cheeks has totaled 26 tackles including seven tackles for loss, five sacks, two passes defended and two forced fumbles.
NFL draft expert Mel Kiper broke down some of the qualities that make him a desirable prospect.
“I love how Wisconsin edge rusher Sebastian Cheeks varies his path to the quarterback. He can get home on the inside or outside with explosion, and he always
has a secondary move ready to go.”
Cheeks himself is already a transfer, having joined the Badgers from UNC in the class of 2024.
“We saw that against USC, with 2.5 sacks. And at 6-3 and 243 pounds, he plays with more power than you might think... he can drive offensive tackles back with his bull rush. His motor never stops.”
Wisconsin holds the nation’s No. 9 overall defense, allowing just 276.5 yards per game. Against USC this past weekend, the Badgers allowed just 241 total yards, shutting down one of the nation’s best total offenses.
“Cheeks will make plays against the run, too, but he needs to add more weight to his frame to really take another step there. Cheeks shows sustained intensity and is a consistent player, and I have him in Round 3 or Round 4.”
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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin Badgers linebacker projected to be Day 2 NFL draft pick
